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How to Make Foam Padding Inside an Aluminum Case for Cameras

Hard cases are one of the safest ways to transport you camera equipment from location to location. You can choose to buy a custom case for all of your camera gear or make one yourself. When you have finished the case, place it in the trunk of your car and use it as a safe place to store your gear as you drive from assignment to assignment. You can also keep your gear in the padded case all the time.

Things You'll Need

Sheet of foam padding
Disposable utility knife with extendable blade
Marker

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the inside of the aluminum case. Measure the width, length and depth of the case. Add 1 to 2 inches to the depth measurement to allow for the lid of the case to cover the foam when it is closed.
- 2
  Place the foam on a table or desk top and position the camera and lenses you want to carry in the case on top of the foam. Once you have arranged the camera bodies and lenses so they fit on the surface of the foam, draw an outline of each piece of equipment using a marker. Remove the equipment after you have traced the outlines.
- 3
  Measure the height of the first piece of equipment. Extend the blade on the disposable utility knife so it matches the height of the camera body or lens. Hold the blade up to the side of the foam and ensure it is not longer than the depth of the foam. Follow the outline you traced on the top of the foam and cut the foam so it creates the holding position for equipment. Remove the cutout and place the camera body or lens into the opening to make sure it fits. Repeat this step for each piece of equipment.
- 4
  Line the inside of the aluminum case with a small bead of general purpose glue. Allow the glue to become tacky but not completely dry. Place the foam inside the aluminum case. Push the foam all the way into the corners so it is in the case securely and straight.

Photography